Meet Your Representative: Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers serves Washington State’s 5th congressional district. Even as the highest ranking Republican woman in the House, Rep. McMorris Rodgers returned to visit Eastern Washington for a town hall forum at the Foley Institute on May 3rd.

Despite the quiet campus, many students and community members made it out this finals week to hear the congresswoman speak. Rep. McMorris Rodgers expressed her concern and dedication to a range of topics, including pushing for “21st century cures” by utilizing American innovation and technological breakthroughs. Despite roadblocks, the congresswoman remains “inspired by those who have ideas and turn them into reality. That is the American way.”

Confronting Congress’ the low approval rating, the representative explained a bipartisan project she is working on with Seth Moulton (D-MA) called Congress of Tomorrow. The goal is to update the “autopilot function of government” that has resulted in programs automatically being reauthorized without review of efficacy or of funding.

During the Q&A portion of the event, Rep. McMorris Rodgers was able to address citizen concerns regarding climate change, the Republican reaction to the Affordable Care Act, campaign fundraising, gun rights, congressional term limits, and even the civil rights versus religious liberty debate.

 

                                                               Contributor: Shantara Pintak